Pupils target drivers in anti-idling campaign

Pupils from Ellison Primary Academy in Newcastle with Mark Winnington, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Staffordshire County Council

Pupils target drivers in anti-idling campaign Pupils from Ellison Primary Academy in Newcastle are urging drivers to switch off their engines outside school as part of a new campaign to reduce air pollution.

The campaign, which runs this week, during the school runs to and from school and aims to reduce the amount of pollution around the school from idling vehicles. Pupils accompanied by school staff will be explaining to drivers the risks of leaving their engines on when parked up.

Drivers will be told that for every minute they are idling they will produce enough foul exhaust fumes to fill around 150 balloons. Pupils, wearing Hi-Vis jackets and armed with flags and banners will be cheering those parents and drivers who pledge not to idle outside the school.

Helen Fisher, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Transport and Highways, added:

“Air pollution is a problem for everyone but as we can see from the amazing work done by the children at Ellison primary it’s very possible that with some small changes, we can make a difference.

“Our Air Aware and anti-idling campaign is really simple and will help to raise everyone’s awareness of the issue. And, remember, by walking or cycling to school to, we can improve our health through exercise, limit air pollution and lower greenhouse gases and all at the same time.”

Headteacher, Nichola Gibson said:

“We are so proud of our children and of the commitment they have shown to the anti-idling project.  they are passionate about making our environment a safer and healthier place and are determined to make a difference.”  

The Staffordshire Air Aware Project continues to work with schools, businesses and the wider public to raise awareness of Air Pollution and improve air quality in the worst affected areas of Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent. It’s one of 15 areas in the region to be given funding to tackle the issue.

In Staffordshire around 600 deaths every year can be linked to Air Pollution which is also linked to respiratory and heart disease and can cause cancer and severe asthma attacks as well as affecting children’s development.

People can find out more about the small actions they can take to help reduce air pollution at http://airaware.doingourbit.info